Craved by the Wrong Volkov-Chapter 197: Mixed signals part 2

Braelyn’s POV

I cried until my throat was hoarse. I just cried, curled up under the shower, until my body went numb from the cold.

I don’t even remember how I got from the bathroom to my bed. Everything that happened was just blurry after then. It felt like I fell asleep in the cold.

When morning came, it wasn’t surprising that I had a nasty cold. My nose was stuffy and I couldn’t stop sneezing. It wasn’t unbearable because I had suffered worse.

My head was spinning a bit. The windows were wide open to ventilate the room. The light woke me up. I felt awful, the mild headache tilted my world.

"Achoo," I sneezed, struggling to stand up. My finger rubbed under my nose to ease the irritation. That’s when I realised a wet towel was on my forehead.

The towel fell off, landing on my sheets. I was confused for a moment. Did I end up with a fever yesterday?

Was it Raphael that nursed me? A cruel smile curled up my lips. That bastard. If he thought this could cover up for what he did yesterday, he had to be fucking kidding me.

I reached out for my phone to confirm the time. It was 7 am. I still had some time to get to work. I wasn’t going to let a cold hold me back in this room.

I dropped my phone back on the side drawer, my gaze flickering as I noticed a small bag of drugs. Curious, I opened it to confirm they were indeed fever medication. A dose was already missing.

Did he go out to get them last night? I felt like laughing. What the hell was going on? Why was this bloody bastard giving me mixed signals?

He better stop acting all nice and be the fucking villain he was. There was a small note by the drugs, beside a bottle of water. I recognised the handwriting scrawled on the paper. It was his precise handwriting. It read:

---

Morning, Lynn,

You had a bad fever last night. I found you barely conscious under the shower. I am sorry my emotions got the best of me. I didn’t like the fact that you came back drunk because of him.

I don’t want to argue, and yes, I was an asshole. I don’t want to make excuses, but I truly didn’t mean to snap like that. Work has been eating me up.

You can hate me all you want, but please take care of yourself. The drugs are by your bedside, with dosage instructions. I also notified the chef to prepare some ginger soup that will help with the cold.

He would reheat it as soon as you want it. Please just drink it.

Raphael.

---

I laughed. I really couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. He didn’t like seeing me drunk when he was the bloody reason for everything. As much as I disliked him, I wouldn’t let my pride affect my health. Since his cold heart decided to help me, I would accept it.

I took the drugs before taking a quick hot shower. By the time I was done showering, the symptoms were already fading.

I was wrapped in a bathrobe, with my hair tightly wrapped in a towel. Steam followed me from the bathroom. My phone screen blinked with a notification, drawing my attention to it.

I strode across the room to check it. It was a message from Lucien.

Lucien: I am already waiting outside.

My eyes went wide, unable to believe he was already here. It was already 7:40.

I quickly sent a reply. A mischievous smile curled up my lips. Lucien had insisted on taking me to and from work every day like my personal chauffeur. It was hilarious how petty he was. He didn’t want to miss a single chance to get on Raphael’s nerves.

Lynn: How about you join us for breakfast if you haven’t eaten.

Lucien replied immediately, like he was waiting for the invitation.

Lucien: Sure, I am sure my nephew wouldn’t mind.

I held back my laugh. He was really annoying and petty indeed. He knew Raphael hated his guts.

Lynn: I have a hospitable husband.

I held in my laugh. Knowing Lucien was around kind of improved my mood. I quickly dropped the phone and started getting ready for work. Most of the cold symptoms were gone, aside from the annoying sneeze.

I decided to wear a simple purple dress. I paired it with a black blazer and pumps. I grabbed one of the matching purses and headed out of the room. As soon as the door closed behind me, I sneezed unceremoniously, my hand rushing to cover my nose with a handkerchief.

This was annoying. Once again, I cursed Raphael in my mind. Since my room was on the ground floor, it took no time for me to arrive at the dining room. I tried my best to hide my smile as I reached the door and peeked inside.

I could already feel the cold pressure from here. Raphael’s voice drifted to my ears. "You don’t have to act as a chauffeur. We have enough staff to handle her needs," he sneered. I couldn’t see them from here, only their voices could be heard.

"I know I don’t have to, but I want to," Lucien retorted. From his voice, I could tell he was chewing something. I was dumbfounded. He really had the appetite to eat.

It seemed like Raphael was still seething in anger. Lucien chuckled. "Try to be a bit more hospitable, or did Ronan also fail to teach you that?" Lucien snickered, then paused to chew. He was enjoying his breakfast more than he should.

"Besides, it is not like I moved into your place. If Braelyn could move in with me, things would be easier," he retorted.

Then a dark, melodic laugh followed that gave me chills. That was definitely Raphael.

I fixed my expression, then finally walked in with a polite smile. Their attention was both drawn to the creaking door.

"Good morning, boys. You guys seem to be having fun," I chimed sweetly, acting oblivious to the thick tension that even had the maids on edge.

Lucien smiled. "Of course, Viper. Your dear husband was even laughing earlier," he added fuel to the fire. How could someone hate this guy? I almost laughed.